First raced in 1829, the 162th annual Boat Race between the rowing clubs of Oxford and Cambridge Universities was held today on a cold but sunny Easter Sunday, on the River Thames at Putney Bridge. I live close by, so a quick walk upriver got me there. The race was won by the Cambridge team, overtaking Oxford at Hammersmith Bridge.
Well, Obama shook hands with Castro in Havana today. The US national anthem is played over and over in front of José Martí’s memorial in Independence square. Historic day indeed, as President Obama is the first US president to set foot in Cuba since 1928.
The people of Cuba long for a better life with less restrictions, to travel and run businesses. Only 90miles from US soil, young Cubans hang out on the Malecón sea wall in the evenings, to cool off, but mainly to drink, sing and just chill with mates.
I brought a group of keen photographers to Cuba in 2011 to photograph Havana and the countryside. The Cubans are warm and friendly but in a wary way. The service industry is patchy and the food is only average (apart from several amazing restaurants) but the music and smiles will charm you.
Take a look at what our group photographed in 10-days here.
Just 100 days to the Brexit referendum, on June 23rd. The public is getting informed by polls and opinions from both sides of the campaign. No one really knows what the effects would be for Britain if there was an ‘out’ victory.
Brompton Cemetery, Fulham
One of the Magnificent Seven cemeteries of London, the Brompton Cemetery was first opened in 1840 and houses over 200,000 burials with some 35,000 headstones, mausoleums and simple plots. Some parts are overgrown with hedges and creepers, making it a favourite for photography and movies. It is located right next to Stamford Bridge the home of Chelsea F.C. One can’t help imagining the souls of the departed bearing up with the roar of the stadium as the home team scores each time.
One of my favourite pubs to relax in London, The Churchill Arms. The pub in Kensington was built in the 1750s, and is famously known for it’s amazing external floral display in the summer. Churchill’s grandparents used to frequent it in the 1800s hence the name, after WW2. It is also the first pub in London to serve Thai food and still does. I hear that the Thai restaurant is now owned by an Irishman.
Stealing a kiss on the Bosphorus, Istanbul, 2010
The coldest day in 2016 was spent in Brick Lane again, with a group of enthusiastic photographers shooting ‘street’ with the City Academy Street Photography class. Brick Lane is always a hive of activity, sights and sounds. Lots of dodgy characters too. Here’s an endearing shot of a young girl throwing change at a moody electric guitarist busker, well deserved as it was about 3C and sleeting at the time.
InstantLondon – Dusk on the South Bank
Thank you to all followers at explorenation.net and Facebook friends. Let’s hope we all continue to make new and exciting photographs in 2016, wherever we are, ’til we meet face to face once again, surely we will.
Have a good one!
Steven
Piccadilly Circus, West End, London
The Reaper is never late. So much death and destruction have turned 2015 into a dire year, especially in the Middle East, and Europe. Let’s hope and pray for a better more peaceful 2016.
explorenation.net ~ photography posts, workshops, writings and thoughts by Steven V-L Lee 
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